"It would be a pragmatic extension of existing philosophy from a party of Government. Moreover, this could mark the final rapprochement between warring brothers," he wrote.

Video:Senior Tory Suggests UKIP Deal

"The United Kingdom Independence Party is now a significant contributory factor in costing the Conservative Party victories in marginal seats.

"It is time to consider actively whether a rapprochement might be possible before the 2015 general election. The basis of any deal is clear: A referendum on the United Kingdom's future membership of the European Union."

The MP for Lichfield, who oversees Tory campaigning on the ground, highlighted a recent poll which showed 15% of Tories would consider voting UKIP.

He claimed the party cost the Conservatives between 20 and 40 votes in the 2010 general election - an amount that could have delivered an outright majority.

He later told Sky News: "There is not going to be any discussion for a good 24 months yet with UKIP, but I do think there needs to be a discussion in the Conservative Party."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has previously indicated that he was open to a deal with the Tories, but that it had to be iron-clad.

"If we were offered a deal that made it easier to push open a door marked 'independence for the United Kingdom', of course we'd consider it," he said.

"But I wouldn't even contemplate doing a deal, even if it gave the party an advantage, unless we first had written in blood I think an absolute promise that we would have a proper referendum on our relationship with the EU."

However, he told Sky News on Monday that he could not agree anything with Mr Cameron as Tory leader because of his claim several years ago that UKIP was a party of "closet racists".

He also insisted that he could not be bought off with the offer of a ministerial position.

Writing on Twitter, he added: "Cameron's comments over the Rotherham case mean a deal's simply not possible."